Kit for securing records

ABSTRACT

A kit for securing records comprising a case, a binder attached to the case and a plurality of sections attached to the binder. Each section comprises a class of similar records to be secured and includes a color-coded divider that identifies the section. Each section further comprises at least one record protector, at least one preprinted color-coded label corresponding in color to color-coded divider with the label attached to the record protector and instructions for assembling and maintaining records associated with the section.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/834,969, filed Aug. 2, 2006and entitled “KIT FOR SECURING RECORDS”, the disclosure of which isincorporated, in its entirety by reference.

THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to storage equipment. More particularly,the invention relates to a portable device wherein important records maybe centrally filed and organized.

THE RELEVANT TECHNOLOGY

Important records and documents of individuals are vitally important,but are usually difficult to access quickly. Filing systems range fromvarious stacks of papers placed around the owners domicile to massivelyreinforced, fireproof filing cabinets. Observational data shows thatindividuals organize their vital records and documents in one of twomethodologies, some individuals implement organized chaos by storingimportant documents in boxes, folders or piles of paper that are not sostrategically placed around the house, while other individuals arecontinuously organizing and storing documents in detailed files andplaced in large and cumbersome filing cabinets.

Despite the desire to organize and store important documents, thestorage methods typically occupy out-of-the-way storage areas. Thismakes the records difficult to access in times of an emergency. Duringtimes of an earthquake, flood, hurricane or other disaster, anindividual is not able to quickly gather and transport their vitalrecords with them. Additionally, the storage methods are only known bythe original organizer, making it difficult if not impossible for othersto find documents if necessary. Often times, when an individual becomesincapacitated or dies, relatives and beneficiaries have great difficultyin finding information about property records, wills, bank accounts,health information and such.

Many emergency preparedness tools exist to help individuals and familiesdecide what essentials such as food, water, and first aid materials tocarry with them when they evacuate during an emergency. However, thereis virtually no information to help individuals and families preparetheir vital records, such as health, identity and financial records, inpreparation for an emergency.

There are a variety of filing devices that have the ability to storefiles. Most of these types of filing devices have the disadvantage ofnot being portable but are rather very heavy and large. Smaller filingsystems have the disadvantage of being susceptible to weather damage andunorganized filing of documents making it difficult to quickly findimportant documents.

There is therefore a need for a storage device that enables anindividual to file all of their important records and documents in asystematically organized device that is not susceptible to weatherdamage and easily portable. This way, an individual may quickly locate,access and transport necessary records and documents. Additionally, ifothers need to find the individuals records or documents, they will becentrally located in an easily identifiable location.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EXAMPLES

This apparatus is a kit for securing records and documents. The kit mayallow an individual to file and organize records and important documentsso that they are well organized, quickly accessible and easily portableto be used with daily use, future planning and home disaster planning.The kit for securing records and documents may be used as a completedocument organizer that includes a home filing system and a safeportable storage device preserving records and important documents incase of an emergency or natural disaster. By gathering these records anddocuments in a centralized manner, the kit for securing records mayincrease the convenience with which such records can be accessed whilemaximizing the safety of the documents during normal periods of storage.

In one example, the kit for securing records includes various types ofrecords and documents such as documents frequently used in day-to-daylife, documents to provide ownership, documents which are difficult toreplace, and/or documents that provide information on the owner'sfinancial situation. Such documents may include, without limitation,records, memorabilia, photographs, or other types of records.

In at least one example, the kit for securing records includes a sturdyzipping canvas case, a ringed binder, a filing assembly, multiple canvaspouches and/or pockets, a handle and/or shoulder strap and variousplanning guides and/or cards (e.g. Communication Plan Cards forcommunication with family members in case of separation during anemergency).

In at least one example, a sturdy canvas case may be sealable using azipper or other sealable means as described below. The canvas case mayalso be constructed with weather-proof material that may bewater-resistant and highly durable. This feature can allow for increasedprotection of the enclosed contents during storage of the kit and/ortransportation of the kit. The case may be optionally manufactured fromvinyl, leather or other materials.

The kit for securing records includes a filing assembly. The filingassembly includes section dividers used to provide guidelines on thedocuments that go in each section, color-coded labels listing importantrecords and documents for easy organizing, custom forms used to assistthe individual in document organization and emergency planning, andrecord protectors for storing records and documents. The filing assemblyprovides a straightforward method for organizing the individual'sdocuments by simply locating the label that pertains to a specificrecord or document, applying the label to a record protector, andfinally locating the record or document listed on the label to insertinto the labeled record protector.

In at least one example, the kit for securing records may provide ameans to organize records and important documents in a secure, easilyaccessible and highly portable kit. This may enable a user to have peaceof mind knowing that all their records and important documents are in asingle and portable location. An advantage of certain examples of thepresent invention is the ease with which the user may secure theirdocuments when time is of the essence, or when friend or relatives needaccess to important documents if the user becomes incapacitated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description of the invention briefly described abovewill be rendered by reference to specific examples thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only typical kits and are not therefore to be considered to belimiting of its scope, the kit for securing records will be describedand explained with additional specificity and detail through the use ofthe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of the present invention whenzipped shut and closed showing a kit for securing vital records;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of the kit for securing vital records of FIG.1 when unzipped and folded open showing various components included inthe kit such as the file assembly;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of the kit for securing vitalrecords of FIG. 1 when unzipped and folded open depicting varioussection dividers and record protectors;

FIG. 4 is a front view of an example of the kit for securing vitalrecords of FIG. 1 when unzipped and folded open.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXAMPLES

The kit for securing records provides a highly organized and portablefiling system for storing and cataloging records and importantdocuments. In one example the kit includes a case, a binder coupled tothe case, a plurality of sections coupled to the binder, at least onerecord protector, a plurality of pre-printed color coded label, andinstructions for assembling and maintaining records associated with thesection. Each section includes a class of similar records to be secured.In one example, pre-printed color-coded labels as part of the kit areprovided specifically for use with home-based businesses. Thesecolor-coded labels may include labels for financial document,computer-related document, incorporation documents, and/or legaldocuments. In another example, the color-coded labels in a kit mayinclude labels specific for organizing children's records. Such labelsmay include diplomas, memorabilia, certificates, school pictures, awardsand/or recognitions. Other labels may also be provided for use inorganizing records related to tax records. For ease of reference, onespecific kit will be described below that includes color-coded labelsfor specifically organizing vital records. Such an example isrepresentative only, and should not be construed as limiting the scopeof the disclosure.

Turning now to the kit for securing vital records, the kit may includepre-printed color coded labels for organizing vital records. The labelsmay include labels for vital records and important documents, thatinclude, without limitation, birth certificates, school graduationcertificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, social securitycards, driver's licenses, state issued identification cards, passports,visas, official pictures, military records, immigration records,naturalization records, family history documents, adoption records,custody agreements, divorce records, pet documentation, bank accountinformation, credit card statements, credit reports, property deeds,mortgage documentation, home equity line of credit documentation,investment account information, stock certificates, treasure bondsecurities, college savings plan information, residential leaseagreements, vehicle lease information, vehicle loan information, recordof home improvement, pictures of property or home, utility bills,vehicle certificate of title, vehicle bill of sale, DMV registration,vehicle warranty documents, property warranty information, timeshareagreement, timeshare title, insurance annuity information, IRAinformation, retirement plan information, lists of beneficiaries, listsof personal possessions, value of personal possessions, pictures ofpersonal possessions, health history record, immunization records,prescription information, insurance cards, medical insurance records,Medicare/Medicaid information, life insurance information, disabilityinsurance information, property insurance information, disasterinsurance information, vehicle insurance information, living trust orwill documentation, power of attorney information, cemetery plot deeds,tax returns, tax information and other records.

The inclusion of vital records, as previously mentioned, in a common,conveniently portable location provides a system for storing andcataloging vital records and important documents. This may allow therecords to be securely stored while still concurrently accessible andeasily movable when necessary.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4, a kit for securing vital records 100includes a case 110, a binder 240 associated with the inside rear coverof case 110, and a filing assembly 210. The filing assembly providing ameans for organizing and filing vital records and important documents.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of case 110. The case 110 includes twoopposing covers 104, 106. The attached opposing covers 104, 106,conjointly attached along case spine 144, allow the case 110 to open andclose. In the current example, the case 110 is manufactured with adurable, heavy-weight canvas material that may be water-resistant,tear-resistant, and/or stain-resistant. Another example may include acase made of vinyl, leather, rubber or other suitable material. Anotherexample may include a protective plastic cover that encases case 110 toseal and protect the case from water and other elements.

Case 110 is made to hold standard sized paper and as such, the currentexample may have a height of at least 13 inches not to exceed 24 inches,a width of at least 6 inches not to exceed 18 inches and a thickness ofat least 2 inches not to exceed 10 inches.

FIGS. 2-4 show that the inside of case 110 contains at least one flap232 and at least one mesh pocket 224. The flap 232 is attached to case110 on a back inside cover to hold binder 240 and filing assembly 210.The mesh pocket 224 is attached to front inside cover of case 110.

As seen in FIGS. 1-4, the portability of the case 110 is facilitated bya handle 120. The handle attached to outside of case spine 144. Anotherexample may include a removable strap attached to attachments 146, 148located at opposing ends of case spine 144. Another example may includean adjustable removable strap to allow users of different size andheight to easily and comfortably transport kit 100.

As seen in FIGS. 1-4, the current example includes previously theopposing covers 104, 106, of case 110 which are sealed using zipper 102.Another example may include at least one nylon zipper, metal zipper,plastic zipper, watertight zipper or invisible zipper. Another exampleincludes at least one non-zipper fastener to seal opposing covers 104,106 of case 110.

The current invention includes an identification tag 175 attached tooutside of case 110. The identification 175 may allow a user to easilyidentify the case 110 when desired, such as in emergency situation.Another example may include an identification tag that glows in the darkto allow easy acquisition in case of power failure or nighttimeemergencies.

As depicted in FIGS. 2-4, binder 240 is inserted into flap 232 of case110. In the current example, binder 240 is configured to slide in andout of case 110 as desired. Providing a binder 240 that is able to beseparated from the case, may facilitate use of the kit, e.g. make thecase 110 easier to deal with respect to organizational materials and therecords associated therewith. Another example may include a binderintegrally and permanently attached to case 110.

In the current example, binder 240 is a three-hole type binder havingthree evenly spaced rings 242 mounted on a backing 250 made of a plasticmaterial such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Another example may includeat least one two-ring binder, four-ring binder, five-ring binder orsix-ring binder. Another example may include a backing made of plasticmaterial other than PVC. Another example may include a backing made ofmetal.

As seen in FIGS. 2-4, filing assembly 210 of the current exampleincludes at least one of section dividers 212, 214, 216, 218 associatedwith the binder 240, record protectors 228 attached to binder 240,zippered pouch 220 attached to binder 240. In another example, therecordable media sleeves 222 attached to binder 240. Another example mayinclude label stickers attached to record protectors 228.

As depicted in FIGS. 2-4, section dividers 212, 214, 216, 218 include aplurality of color-coded partitions that separate vital records intolike topics and/or sections. In the current example each section divider212, 214, 216, 218, includes a color-coded tab associated therewith thatidentifies the section. The section includes color-coded section divider212, 214, 216, 218, and record protectors 228 used to store records.Section dividers 212, 214, 216, 218, may be constructed from heavy-dutysheets of paper or plastic. Another example includes section dividers212, 214, 216, 218, wherein instructions are printed on the dividers212, 214, 216, 218, and instructions are section specific for thedesignated topic, e.g. instructions for filling out medical informationsheet for medical personnel to use in an emergency. Another exampleincludes section dividers 212, 214, 216, 218, wherein tips and helpfulhints are printed on the dividers 212, 214, 216, 218, and are sectionspecific for the designated topic, e.g. tips for protecting youridentity in the section labeled Identification and Family Records.

Another example includes color-coded tabs 212, 214, 216, 218, furtherthat include at least one pre-labeled tab, e.g. pre-labeled with akeyword and/or title of the section. Another example includespre-labeled, color-coded tabs 212, 214, 216, 218, with such titles asPlanning & Contacts section, Identification & Family Records section,Finance & Property section, Health & Medical section, Insurance & Taxessection, or Estate Planning & Retirement section. Other examples oftitles for section dividers include, but are not limited to, Investment& Retirement Funds, Debt Management, Family History & Genealogy, FamilyVacation Planning and the like.

As depicted in FIGS. 2-3, record protectors 228 include a plasticprotective sleeve attached to binder 240 in the desired section whereinrecord protectors 228 receive a selected record therein. Recordprotectors may be constructed to hold at least one paper record, digitalrecord, medical records, photographs or similar item. Another exampleincludes record protectors used for storing various shaped recordsincluding, without limitations, media sleeves such as CD/DVD sleeves andor pouches in which other records or content may be stored.

As depicted in FIGS. 2 & 4, a zippered pouch 220 has a rectangular shapeand at least one zippered pocket. The zippered pocket may hold smallobjects, such as cash, keys, small USB drives, keepsakes and the like.

As previously described, the filing assembly 210 is an example of meansfor organizing and filing vital records and important documents. Thus,one example of the means for organizing and filing vital records andimportant documents may include a plurality of color-coded, labeleddividers used to classify and group records and documents into similardivisions. Further labels and stickers clarify what record and/ordocument is being stored in each of the various dividers.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedexamples are to be considered in all respects only as illustrated andnot restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated bythe appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A kit for securing records, comprising: a case; a binder coupled tothe case; a plurality of sections coupled to the binder, each sectionincluding a color-coded divider that identifies the section, at leastone record protector, at least one preprinted color-coded labelconfigured to be affixed to the record protector, the color-coded labelcorresponding in color to the color-coded divider, and instructions forassembling and maintaining records associated with the section; andwherein the section comprises a class of similar records to be secured.2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the case includes a handle and strap. 3.The kit of claim 1, wherein the case includes a water-resistant cover.4. The kit of claim 1, further comprising a CD/DVD holder which fits onthe binder.
 5. The kit of claim 1, wherein the case further includes anidentification tag.
 6. The kit of claim 5, wherein the identificationtag glows in the dark.
 7. The kit of claim 1, further comprising azippered pouch.
 8. The kit of claim 1, wherein the color-coded labelsinclude labels related specifically to vital records.
 9. The kit ofclaim 1, wherein the color-coded labels include labels relatedspecifically to documents for running a home-based business.
 10. The kitof claim 1, wherein the color-coded labels include labels relatedspecifically to childhood records, including academic records.
 11. A kitfor securing records, comprising: a case with handle and attachablestrap; a binder coupled to the case; a plurality of color-coded,pre-labeled dividers, and instructions for assembling and maintainingrecords associated with the dividers; and at least one planning guide.12. The kit of claim 11, wherein the planning guide comprises at leastone basic outline for natural disaster planning, house evacuationplanning, and immediate assistance planning.
 13. The kit of claim 11,wherein the color-coded, pre-labeled dividers are labeled to organizeand assemble vital records.
 14. The kit of claim 13, wherein the vitalrecords comprise at least one identification record, family records,financial records, property records, health records, medical records,insurance records, tax records and estate planning records.
 15. The kitof claim 11, further comprising a CD/DVD holder which fits in thebinder.
 16. The kit of claim 11, further comprising a zippered pouch.17. A kit for securing records, comprising: a case with handle andattachable strap; wherein the case is sealable and includes anidentification tag; a binder coupled to the case; a filing assemblycomprising a plurality of section dividers a plurality of recordprotectors and a zippered pouch, wherein the filing assembly is coupledto binder. a mesh pouch, wherein the mesh pouch is attached to inside ofcase; a plurality of sections coupled to the binder, each sectionincluding a color-coded divider that identifies the section, at leastone record protector, at least one preprinted color-coded labelconfigured to be affixed to the record protector, the color-coded labelcorresponding in color to the color-coded divider, and instructions forassembling and maintaining records associated with the section; whereinthe section comprises a class of similar records to be secured; whereineach of the section dividers comprises at least one pre-labeled sectionstitled Planning & Contacts section, Identification & Family Recordssection, Finance & Property section, Health & Medical section, Insurance& Taxes section, or Estate Planning & Retirement section; and whereinthe record protectors receive at least one record or document.
 18. Thekit of claim 17, wherein the filing assembly includes record protectorsfor media storage.
 19. The kit of claim 18, wherein the media storagecomprises at least one CD, DVD, and Floppy Disk.
 20. The kit of claim17, wherein the kit further comprises an exterior protective cover.